What material is the Sabian AA 21 Holy China made from?

The cymbal is crafted from Sabian's cast B20 bronze. This alloy is a mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, known for its superior durability and musical tonal characteristics compared to entry-level sheet bronze.

What is the primary purpose of the holes in the cymbal?

The holes are designed to control unwanted overtones and focus the attack. By venting air, they help the cymbal produce a quicker, more piercing sound with a shorter, trashier decay.

What finishes are available for this model?

The Sabian AA 21 Holy China is available in two finish options: Natural and Brilliant. The Brilliant finish is buffed to a high shine for a slightly brighter look and sound, while the Natural finish retains a more traditional appearance.

How does the 21-inch size affect the sound compared to smaller Chinas?

The 21-inch diameter produces a massive sound with a broad frequency response. It offers a larger visual footprint on the kit and a higher volume potential than smaller 17 or 19-inch models.

Is this cymbal suitable for quiet musical settings?

While it is responsive to dynamics, it is specifically designed for drummers who need to be heard in loud environments. For strictly quiet practice, alternatives like the Gear4Music Low Volume series would be more appropriate.

What weight class does the AA 21 Holy China fall into?

It features a thin body construction. This design allows the cymbal to flex under the stick, providing a better feel and making it easier to activate the full tonal range even with varying stick pressure.

Does the Holy China come with a warranty?

Sabian typically provides a manufacturer's warranty against defects, though specific terms depend on the retailer. The use of cast B20 bronze ensures high durability for professional use.

How would you describe the 'trashy' tone mentioned in the description?

A 'trashy' tone refers to a complex, slightly distorted harmonic character similar to a gong but with a sharper, shorter decay. It is the signature sound of a China cymbal, often used for white-noise-like accents.

Can this cymbal be used for riding as well as crashing?

While primarily a crash-accent cymbal, its 21-inch size and B20 bronze construction allow for distinct riding patterns. However, its thin nature and perforated design mean it will wash out quickly if played continuously as a ride.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The Holy China is much louder and more aggressive with a higher pitch. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is focused on dark, earthy, and short-decay textures, whereas the Holy China prioritises shimmering attack and volume.

Is the bell on the Holy China functional?

Yes, the cymbal features a high-profile bell. This contributes to the overall projection and pitch of the cymbal, though most players use the edge for the signature 'trash' sound.

What is the typical price for the Sabian AA 21 Holy China?

The typical price for this cymbal is approximately GBP 419. This reflects its status as a professional-grade instrument made from high-quality cast bronze.

Gear article

Sabian AA 21 Holy China Cymbal

The Sabian AA 21 Holy China is a professional-grade effects cymbal crafted from cast B20 bronze, designed in collaboration with Chad Smith. Featuring a high-profile bell and a series of tone-controlling holes, it is engineered to provide an explosive, shimmering attack with a distinctively trashy character for aggressive musical styles.

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Overview

The Sabian AA 21 Holy China is a specialised effects cymbal designed to meet the demands of drummers playing in high-volume environments. Part of the AA (Automated Axiom) series, it is constructed using Sabian's premium B20 bronze, an alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. This specific model is notable for its combination of a large 21-inch diameter and a thin profile, which allows for a fast response despite its physical scale. The most striking visual and functional element is the pattern of holes drilled into the surface, which serves to modify the cymbal's air displacement and harmonic content.

Design and Functionality

The Holy China works by utilising a high-profile bell and a series of perforations to manage sustain and frequency focus. The holes are strategically placed to vent air, which reduces the 'air-lock' effect and shortens the decay, resulting in a more piercing and immediate attack. This design choice also helps to eliminate unwanted overtones that can often clutter the sound of traditional large Chinas. The thin body construction is intended to improve playability, offering a softer 'feel' under the stick that allows drummers to explore a wider range of dynamics, from subtle accents to full-force hits.

Sound Character

In terms of sonic profile, the AA 21 Holy China is characterised by an explosive, shimmering attack followed by a 'trashy' tonal quality. The large 21-inch size ensures a broad frequency response and a significant volume ceiling, making it capable of cutting through dense wall-of-sound arrangements. While it is inherently loud and aggressive, the perforated design keeps the sound focused and prevents it from becoming overly wash-heavy, ensuring that each strike remains distinct.

Target Audience

This cymbal is primarily aimed at drummers who perform in genres such as rock, metal, and heavy fusion where high volume and projection are essential. Its design suits players who require a reliable 'accent' cymbal that can be heard clearly over amplified guitars and bass. Due to its thin weight, it also appeals to drummers who prefer a more responsive feel that does not require excessive force to activate the full tonal range of the bronze.

Market Comparison

Compared to smaller alternatives, such as 17-inch or 19-inch China cymbals, the 21-inch Holy China offers a much larger visual footprint and a deeper, more complex frequency range. While traditional Chinas like the Paiste Giant Beat series or the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry offer different textures—ranging from vintage warmth to dry, short decay—the Holy China occupies a middle ground that prioritises volume and brightness. For players seeking a more controlled environment, low-volume options like the Gear4Music Silver series serve a different purpose entirely, whereas the Holy China is built specifically for maximum projection.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Sabian AA 21 Holy China made from?: The cymbal is crafted from Sabian's cast B20 bronze. This alloy is a mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, known for its superior durability and musical tonal characteristics compared to entry-level sheet bronze.
What is the primary purpose of the holes in the cymbal?: The holes are designed to control unwanted overtones and focus the attack. By venting air, they help the cymbal produce a quicker, more piercing sound with a shorter, trashier decay.
What finishes are available for this model?: The Sabian AA 21 Holy China is available in two finish options: Natural and Brilliant. The Brilliant finish is buffed to a high shine for a slightly brighter look and sound, while the Natural finish retains a more traditional appearance.
How does the 21-inch size affect the sound compared to smaller Chinas?: The 21-inch diameter produces a massive sound with a broad frequency response. It offers a larger visual footprint on the kit and a higher volume potential than smaller 17 or 19-inch models.
Is this cymbal suitable for quiet musical settings?: While it is responsive to dynamics, it is specifically designed for drummers who need to be heard in loud environments. For strictly quiet practice, alternatives like the Gear4Music Low Volume series would be more appropriate.
What weight class does the AA 21 Holy China fall into?: It features a thin body construction. This design allows the cymbal to flex under the stick, providing a better feel and making it easier to activate the full tonal range even with varying stick pressure.
Does the Holy China come with a warranty?: Sabian typically provides a manufacturer's warranty against defects, though specific terms depend on the retailer. The use of cast B20 bronze ensures high durability for professional use.
How would you describe the 'trashy' tone mentioned in the description?: A 'trashy' tone refers to a complex, slightly distorted harmonic character similar to a gong but with a sharper, shorter decay. It is the signature sound of a China cymbal, often used for white-noise-like accents.
Can this cymbal be used for riding as well as crashing?: While primarily a crash-accent cymbal, its 21-inch size and B20 bronze construction allow for distinct riding patterns. However, its thin nature and perforated design mean it will wash out quickly if played continuously as a ride.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The Holy China is much louder and more aggressive with a higher pitch. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is focused on dark, earthy, and short-decay textures, whereas the Holy China prioritises shimmering attack and volume.
Is the bell on the Holy China functional?: Yes, the cymbal features a high-profile bell. This contributes to the overall projection and pitch of the cymbal, though most players use the edge for the signature 'trash' sound.
What is the typical price for the Sabian AA 21 Holy China?: The typical price for this cymbal is approximately GBP 419. This reflects its status as a professional-grade instrument made from high-quality cast bronze.